Abstract: A motor driven film wind-up and rewind device for cameras is automatically switched from a film wind-up mode to a film rewind mode when the entire length of an unexposed film has been wound on a film take-up spool and surely remains in the film rewind mode thereafter. For the automatic switching of the modes a circuit detects increase in a motor current which occurs with a motor forced to stop after completion of the film wind-up. A movable member which is in the form of an through axle extending through a film rewinding sprocket moves from a first position to a second position immediately after initiation of the motor rotation for the film rewind, switching a switch to a state maintaining the device in the film rewind mode as well as connecting the sprocket with the motor. The movable member is returned to the first position in response to insertion of a film cartridge into a cartridge chamber of the camera and restrained at the first position till the initiation of the film rewind.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting device for a camera is provided that detects the contrast of a target object and generates an appropriate signal. If the target contrast is lower than a predetermined level the objective lens is set at an infinity focusing position. When the camera is set for flash photography it overrides any adjustment signal beyond the maximum flash photography distance.

Abstract: A camera water-tight housing includes a hollow body member having a rectangular rear access opening delineated by the rear borders of the body member walls and a rectangular transparent lid having grooves formed in its inside face along its long sides. Each groove includes opposing faces, the inside faces being stepped and a resilient packing engages the face stepped portions and is retained therein by the borders of a pressure plate secured to the lid inside face. In the housing closed condition, the wall end borders along the opening long sides engages the lid grooves between the backing and the groove outer faces to compress the packing and effects a water-tight seal. Locking members are provided on the body member end walls and include hook portions for engaging tabs projecting from the lid to lock it in its closed position and cams for engaging the tabs and ejecting the lid when the members are rotated to separate the hook portions from the tabs.

Abstract: A photographic data recording mechanism in a camera includes a data illumination lamp, a first timing circuit actuated in response to the camera shutter release member for energizing the lamp for a set time interval and a second timing circuit also actuated in response to the shutter release member for applying a control signal subsequent to the lamp energizing time interval to a control circuit of shutter releasing electromagnet to release the shutter. The second timing circuit is adjustable to vary the time of application of the control signal and in an alternative structure the lamp energizing circuit may be disabled and the control signal applied is immediate response to the actuation of the release member. A single electromagnet may function to sequentially release the leading or trailing shutter members or separate electromagnets may be employed.

Abstract: An electronic photoflash flash device includes a case containing a photoflash network including an indicator member illuminated in the flash ready condition and transferable by a manually operable selector member from a retracted position fully housed in the case to an advance position projecting from a face of the case for wide visibility. The case is a camera body and the camera diaphragm aperture is controlled by the selector member position which also closes the network power switch when the indicator member is advanced. In one mechanism the indicator member is biased to an advanced position and the selector member is biased to a retracted position in which a member coupled thereto releasably locks the indicator member in its retracted position and when the indicator member is advanced it releasably locks the selector member in its advanced position. Alternatively the indicator member is movable with the selector member and is biased to its retracted position.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera comprising a rangefinder system, an automatic focus adjusting system, a manipulatable zone selector mechanism and a selector switch for electrically connecting the automatic focus adjusting system selectively to the rangefinder system and to the manipulatable zone selector mechanism depending upon the position of the selector switch. In one operative mode, an automatic focus control signal indicative of the zonal distance of the target object to be photographed to the camera and generated from the rangefinder system is applied to the automatic focus adjusting system to bring an objective lens assembly to one of focal positions determined by the automatic focus control signal. In another operative mode, a manual focus control signal indicative of a desired one of the focal positions of the objective lens assembly is applied to the automatic focus adjusting system to bring an objective lens assembly to the desired focal position.

Abstract: An electronic photoflash device includes a high voltage DC generator, a main storage capacitor and a reflector backed photoflash tube unit mounted on an insulating substrate on which are printed a high voltage conductor line connecting first terminals of the generator, capacitor and tube and a ground conductor line connecting their opposite terminals. The ground line surrounds and is proximate the high-voltage line so that the deposition of water on the substrate extends between and short-circuits the lines to discharge the high-voltage and eliminates the risk of an electric shock to the device operator. Alternative arrangements may be provided for surrounding the high-voltage conductor with the ground conductor, the conductors having proximate bare portions bridged by a surface which, when moistened, short circuits the conductors.

Abstract: A camera selectively settable to a daylight photography mode and to a flash photography mode includes an automatic focus adjusting device having a range finder for generating a distance signal representative of a distance from the camera to an aimed object, and an objective setting mechanism responsive to the distance signal for setting the objective to a proper focus of the aimed object. A control circuit responsive to the selection of the photographic modes causes the objective setting mechanism to set the camera objective at a position where the objective focuses on an object located at a predetermined distance zone within the maximum permissible distance for flash photography, upon selection of the flash photography mode. The control circuit may have a switch which causes the objective setting mechanism to effect the above setting of the objective in preference to the existence of the distance signal upon selection of the flash photography mode.

Abstract: A photographic camera provided with flash tube has a voltage detector for detecting the voltage level of a power supply; a control circuit controlled by the detector for preventing start of the photographing operation until the voltage source of the power supply recovers to a predetermined level during charging of a first capacitor for firing of the flash tube; and a second capacitor connected in parallel with the power supply and connected between a primary winding of an electric voltage boosting circuit and the power supply. By this arrangement, the start of the photographing operation is prevented until the voltage level of the power supply is fully recovered after firing of the flash tube and operation of the camera.

Abstract: In a shutter release device adapted for use with a photograpic camera, especially of the compact or miniature type, delay means are selectively actuated in accordance with a set or anticipated shutter speed for delaying or retarding the initiation of actual shutter opening. The shutter opening is commenced after a lapse of time from the manual operation of the shutter release button to the operation of the shutter release member, when the scene brightness is so low that a blurred picture is anticipated. The shutter is actuated immediately after operation of the release member when the scene brightness is high enough. The delay means may be a mechanical governor of an electric delay circuit responsive to shutter speed setting or detection of scene brightness.

Abstract: An automatic focus control camera which includes automatic exposure control means, automatic focus adjusting means, and flash means. These three means are arranged to have a power source in common, and furthermore, the automatic focus adjusting means and flash means are supplied with electric power through an electric voltage boosting circuit which is arranged not to function during an exposure period for taking photographs. Moreover, an electric voltage checking circuit is included for checking a voltage supplied to the automatic focus adjusting means so that the shutter can not be released unless the voltage reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera including an automatic rangefinder device for generating a distance signal indicative of the distance between the camera and a target object to be photographed, a timer circuit for generating an output signal a predetermined time after a power switch is closed, to place a lens drive mechanism in an operative condition for repositioning an objective lens assembly of the camera in search of the true focus setting, and a lens arresting circuit including electromagnetic units. Either of the electromagnetic units is operable to arrest the objective lens assembly at a corresponding focal position when energized by the distance signal. The automatic rangefinder device can measure the distance from the camera to the target object independent of the release of the lens drive mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera according to the present invention includes an automatic distant measuring system which generates a signal indicative of a distance between the camera and a target object to be photographed upon receipt of electric power. A focusing mechanism is operatively connected to the automatic focusing system for shifting a movable objective lens automatically to a properly focused position relative to the target object. A shutter release button includes a switch mechanism for electrically connecting a power source and the automatic distance measuring system; and a shaft actuating the focusing mechanism when the shutter release button is pressed down. The switch mechanism in the shutter release button is closed upon application of a finger touch to the shutter release button, either by completion of an electric circuit through the fingertip or by sensing the finger pressure, to supply electric power to the automatic distance measuring system.

Abstract: An auto-focus camera includes a first signal circuit for generating a first control signal only when the battery voltage exceeds a minimum permissible level for normal operation of an electric range finder and an exposure control circuit, and a second signal circuit for generating a second control signal only when the range finder has reached a stable operating state after commencement of electric power supply thereto. The existence of both the first and second control signals enables an electromagnet provided in an exposure control circuit for arresting the camera shutter in an open state to hold an engaging member out of the locus of movement of a corresponding engaging member provided on a trigger member. The trigger member can be manipulated to a terminal position for allowing operation of a focus adjusting device unless the engaging members engage one another, and the range finder is supplied with electric power from the battery during the course of the manipulation of the trigger member.

Abstract: A camera employing an automatic focusing system has a movable objective lens which is automatically moved to a properly focused position in accordance with a distance signal indicative of the distance between the camera and a target object to be photographed from a distance measuring element. The automatic focusing system further includes a discriminator which discriminates whether the distance measuring element properly produces the distance signal or fails to produce such distance signal. When the discriminator detects that the distance measuring element fails to produce the distance signal, the movable objective lens is automatically moved to a pan-focal position.

Abstract: A camera employing an automatic focusing system has a movable objective lens which is automatically moved from an initial position to a properly focused position in accordance with a distance signal indicative of the distance between the camera and a target object to be photographed from a distance measuring element. The automatic focusing system includes a discriminator which discriminates whether the distance measuring element properly produces the distance signal or fails to produce such distance signal. The objective lens is moved only when the distance signal is properly produced or when a substitute signal is forcibly produced from a manual control unit for the substitution of the distance signal.

Abstract: A camera includes alternatively operable first and second objective lenses and a self-contained flash device having an irradiating angle substantially coincident with the angle of view of the second objective lens, the second objective lens having a focal length and F-number greater than those of the first objective lens. The camera is equipped with a light diffusing plate adapted to move into and out of the optical light path of the flash device in association with the operable transfer operation between the first and second objective lenses, and the light diffusing plate is so arranged as to be positioned in the irradiating optical path of the flash device when the first objective lens registers with the picture-taking optical path, so that the irradiating angle of the flash device substantially coincides with the angle of view of the first objective lens.

Abstract: A camera incorporating an electronic flash device includes a flash emitting portion which is urged by a spring toward a projecting position and is normally locked in a retracted position against the influence of the spring. The flash emitting portion is released from the locked condition to move to the projecting position, when a diaphram setting member is set to a predetermined position, with other preparatory operations necessary for flash photography being effected in relation with the movement of the flash emitting portion. The flash emitting portion may be pushed back to return to its retracted position, and the diaphragm setting member is thereby automatically reset to its normal position with the other camera mechanisms being reset to a condition for daylight photography.

Abstract: A camera which incorporates a supplemental lens that may be selectively used in combination with a normal picture-taking lens by moving a selector device projecting externally of the camera. Movement of the selector device results in the supplemental lens being moved either into or out of the optical path of the picture-taking lens. An objective lens which is positioned in the optical path of the view finder system is operable so as to be movable with respect to the view finder optical path upon movement of the supplemental lens to automatically compensate for parallax when the supplemental lens is positioned in the optical path of the picture-taking lens for modified photography.

Abstract: A small single lens reflex camera for use with a 110 film format cartridge is provided. The size of the camera body can be maintained at a minimum by an improved view finder optical system which coacts with a movable mirror movable into and out of the photographic path in correlation with the releasing operation of a shutter. A series of reflecting mirrors are utilized in the viewfinder assembly within certain angular design parameters to maintain a compact shape while permitting a highly accurate focusing system. The viewfinder optical system can be assembled as a relatively stationary sealed module unit. The movable mirror is adjustable relative to the optical path to optimize its alignment and calibration focusing of an image on the focusing plate of the module viewfinder.